7 Menopause Symptoms No One Talks About

Menopause marks a significant transition, signaling the end of your reproductive years and bringing a variety of physical and emotional changes.

While hot flashes, night sweats, and irregular periods are well-known symptoms, there are lesser-discussed effects that can significantly impact your daily life. Here are seven such symptoms and ways to manage them during this transformative phase. Understanding and addressing these changes can empower you to navigate menopause with greater ease.

7 Menopause Symptoms No One Talks About

1. Your Relationships Start to Change

Throughout perimenopause, you might notice profound shifts in your relationships, primarily due to the hormonal changes impacting your mood and behavior. Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression are common, potentially straining connections with your partner, family, and friends. These emotional fluctuations can cause misunderstandings and conflicts, making you more reactive or withdrawn.^{2, 3} 

A decrease in libido is also common, creating feelings of disconnection from your partner and complicating intimacy. These changes can be confusing and challenging for both you and your loved ones, who may struggle to understand or adapt to the new dynamics.^{4, 5} 

It’s essential to communicate openly about these changes and seek support when needed, whether through counseling, support groups, or simply having honest conversations with your loved ones.

2. Your Body Starts to Change

The physical changes that happen around this time can profoundly impact your self-image and confidence. One of the most noticeable changes is the shift in weight distribution, with many women experiencing increased fat around the abdomen.⁶ This change in body shape can be disconcerting and lead to insecurity or dissatisfaction with your appearance. 

Vaginal symptoms such as dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, and other changes that can cause discomfort and affect sexual health are also common.⁷ These physical changes, though normal, are often not openly discussed, leaving many women feeling isolated or confused.

Embracing self-care practices can help manage these changes. Resistance training and a diet that prioritizes protein can support a healthy body composition. Consulting with a functional-medicine doctor about discomfort and other issues can provide personalized solutions as well. Menopause is also an opportunity to redefine beauty and confidence, focusing on holistic well-being and self-acceptance.

3. Increased Anxiety

Anxiety often stands out as a significant mood change during menopause.⁸ Despite growing awareness, menopause remains surrounded by stigma and misconceptions, leading many women to feel ashamed or embarrassed about discussing their experiences. This lack of societal validation and support can amplify feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Menopause often coincides with major life transitions such as children leaving home, career changes, or caring for aging parents. These transitions can bring about feelings of uncertainty, loss, and upheaval, further contributing to anxiety. Additionally, physical symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and fatigue can exacerbate anxiety levels, making it harder to cope with daily demands.

Hormonal changes, particularly the decline in estrogen levels, can also impact mood regulation. Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and other brain chemicals that affect mood. As estrogen levels fluctuate during menopause, mood swings and irritability can increase, making emotional stability difficult.⁹

Managing anxiety through relaxation techniques and lifestyle changes can be beneficial. Mindfulness, meditation, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or tapping, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. Regular physical activity, including resistance training and after-dinner walks, can also improve mood and alleviate anxiety.¹⁰ 

Magnesium is another helpful tool. This mineral regulates calming neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin. Low magnesium levels are linked to increased anxiety and stress.^{11, 12} A high-quality magnesium supplement like Magnesium Body Calm can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote relaxation.

4. Gut Issues

Menopause can lead to digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, significantly impact digestion. Estrogen helps regulate stomach acid production and the movement of food through the digestive tract. When estrogen levels decline, it can lead to slower gastric emptying, causing bloating, indigestion, and constipation.^13-15

As you age, your metabolism may naturally slow down, further influenced by hormonal changes during menopause.¹⁶ Although research indicates that metabolism remains relatively stable from your 20s through your 50s and only begins to decline after age 60, menopause can still cause a slowdown.^{17, 18} This metabolic change can worsen gut health, exacerbating feelings of bloating and discomfort.

Supporting your gut health can help manage these symptoms.¹⁹ Adjusting your diet to include more fiber, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods like dairy and gluten can maintain digestive health. Stress management practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can also reduce the impact of stress on your digestive system.²⁰ 

A comprehensive digestive enzyme like Protein First Enzymes can help alleviate bloating, gas, and other digestive problems by efficiently breaking down food. Digestive enzymes aid in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, ensuring better nutrient absorption and reducing the occurrence of undigested food in the intestines, which often leads to gas and bloating. The result is smoother digestion, less discomfort, and improved gut health. 

My 5 Gut-Healing Strategies for Lasting Energy & Weight Loss has everything you need to heal your gut. It includes a symptoms checklist, a list of foods that hurt and heal your gut, the best gut-healing nutrients, stress-busting strategies, and more. You can get the guide for FREE here. 

5. Hair Changes

During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause changes in hair texture, thickness, and growth patterns. Both estrogen and androgen hormones (including testosterone) regulate hair growth and maintenance. As estrogen levels drop significantly, the effect of male hormones (androgens) becomes more noticeable, even though their levels might also decrease.^21,22

This shift in androgens can cause hair thinning or loss, often resembling male-pattern baldness. These hormonal changes can reduce hair volume and density, making it look thinner and more fragile.²³ Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hormonal imbalances that affect hair growth.²⁴

Aging impacts your hair’s health and vitality as well. Your hair growth cycle may slow, leading to thinner, less resilient strands.²⁵ The production of melanin, which gives hair its color, may decrease, causing graying or whitening.²⁶ Aging can also impact scalp health, leading to dryness, itchiness, or conditions like dandruff, which further impact overall hair health.²⁷ 

Genetic factors can also impact hair thickness, texture, and susceptibility to conditions like pattern baldness.²⁸ For women with a family history of hair loss or thinning, being aware of your genetic predispositions can help you anticipate and address potential hair concerns.

To manage hair changes effectively, adopt proper hair care practices, provide nutritional support, and consider medical treatments. Use gentle hair care products, avoid excessive heat styling, and maintain a nutrient-rich, protein-packed diet. Consult your healthcare practitioner about topical solutions or hormone therapy to address hair thinning and loss.

6. Oral Health Concerns

Menopause may increase the risk of oral health issues such as dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth loss.²⁹ Estrogen helps maintain the health of oral tissues, including your gums and mucous membranes. During menopause, decreased estrogen levels can lead to changes in oral health, making you more susceptible to gum disease (periodontitis) and dry mouth (xerostomia).³⁰ 

Gum disease can manifest as swollen, bleeding gums and, if left untreated, can progress to more severe conditions that may result in tooth loss. Dry mouth can contribute to oral discomfort, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and an increased risk of dental decay and oral infections.³¹ 

Burning mouth syndrome is another unexpected oral symptom of menopause. It is characterized by a persistent burning sensation in the mouth, affecting the tongue, lips, gums, or entire oral cavity. This discomfort, often accompanied by other menopausal symptoms, arises due to hormonal changes impacting saliva production and the health of oral tissues, leading to a dry mouth, altered taste, and burning sensation.³² 

Estrogen also helps preserve bone density and strength. During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, which affects bone density, including the jawbone that supports your teeth.³³ Reduced bone density in the jaw can lead to weakened support for teeth, potentially causing tooth instability and increasing the risk of tooth loss.³⁴

Brushing and flossing regularly, using mouth rinses designed to combat dry mouth, and maintaining a nutrient-rich, protein-first diet can help keep oral tissues healthy. Regular visits to the dentist can ensure early detection and treatment of any emerging issues. Additionally, discussing hormone therapy with your healthcare provider can offer a targeted approach to mitigating the effects of decreased estrogen levels on your oral health. 

7. Skin Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, especially the drop in estrogen during menopause, can significantly impact skin health. One major effect is the loss of firmness and elasticity. Estrogen supports collagen and elastin production, which provide structure and elasticity. As estrogen levels decline, your skin loses its ability to stretch and recoil, resulting in skin sagging around the jawline, cheeks, and neck. This loss of firmness makes your skin look less youthful and more affected by gravity.³⁵

Additionally, lower estrogen levels make your skin thinner, rougher, and more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. Estrogen regulates skin cell production and helps retain moisture. With reduced estrogen levels, new skin cell production decreases, and your skin loses moisture, becoming thinner and more fragile. This increased fragility makes your skin more susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and injuries.³⁶

Another impact of reduced estrogen levels is decreased oil production, which causes a loss of your skin’s natural plumpness and smoothness. As a result, your skin may appear less vibrant and more aged.³⁷ Estrogen also helps maintain your skin’s barrier function, which regulates moisture loss and prevents dehydration. Lower estrogen levels can compromise this barrier, increasing water loss and dryness. This can cause rough, flaky skin, itchiness, and a dull complexion, making your skin feel uncomfortable and look less healthy.³⁸

To manage these issues, adopt proper skincare, hydration, and sun protection practices. Using skincare products that promote collagen production and hydration can help maintain skin health. Drink plenty of water and maintain a diet that supports skin health. Protecting your skin from sun damage by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can prevent further skin aging. 

Additionally, incorporating a quality collagen peptides powder can support healthy skin. Research shows supplementing with collagen can improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration while reducing wrinkling and skin roughness.³⁹

Make Menopause the Most Transformative Time of Your Life

Menopause often accompanies a range of difficult symptoms, from hot flashes and sleep disturbances to mood swings and weight gain. However, this transition also presents an opportunity to embrace aging powerfully and redefine this life stage with a positive outlook. Adopting the right mindset during menopause can significantly alleviate stress, enhance sleep quality, and lead a happier, more fulfilling life.

In Mindset Mastery: 20 Practices for Power and Purpose, you’ll discover simple, effective ways to incorporate mindset-shifting moments into your daily routine. I came out of menopause looking and feeling better than ever, and a positive mindset made all the difference. I want to show you the tools I used. 

Get your FREE Mindset Mastery: 20 Practices for Power and Purpose here.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The views in this blog by JJ Virgin should never be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please work with a healthcare practitioner concerning any medical problem or concern.